New breed of political prisoner arises in Britain as anti-protest sentences rise
A report reveals that the UK is increasingly jailing climate and Palestine-solidarity activists, creating a new category of political prisoners. The study highlights a rise in anti-protest legislation and longer sentences for civil disobedience. Researchers argue that this trend reflects a political response to protests that often represent majority views.
- ▪The report identifies 286 cases of climate and Palestine-solidarity activists jailed for a total of 136 years.
- ▪The average detention period for these activists is 28 weeks, with many receiving sentences of six months or more.
- ▪Judicial actions, including civil injunctions, have led to the criminalization of protests, raising concerns about the implications for civil liberties.
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Three Just Stop Oil protesters wearing orange hi-vis jackets speak with police in front of the Houses of Parliament. Photograph: Andy Rain/EPAView image in fullscreenThree Just Stop Oil protesters wearing orange hi-vis jackets speak with police in front of the Houses of Parliament. Photograph: Andy Rain/EPAUK criminal justiceNew breed of political prisoner arises in Britain as anti-protest sentences rise More people are being jailed in England and Wales as a result of acting to prevent climate breakdown and the war in Gaza, research revealsHaroon Siddique Legal affairs correspondentSat 23 May 2026 12.00 EDTLast modified on Sat 23 May 2026 12.02 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleBritain has created a new breed of political prisoners through the systematic incarceration of people acting…
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